Mini-Consortium for Focused Research - Creating Synergy, Maximizing Technology Transfer Impact

Focused research in Voltage Regulator Modules (VRM) was initiated in 1997, prior to the establishment of CPES, when a cluster of industry sponsors expressed interest to pursue research in the power management of the next generation microprocessors. Realizing that there is an opportunity to create synergy among industries and cause a much broader impact, VRM faculty leader, Prof. Fred Lee, convinced these sponsors that it would be more beneficial to work synergistically together in a mini-consortium format. Since the Center is focused on developing pre-competitive technologies, companies that are competitors in the field are able to work together on a common goal, identifying and addressing challenges as a group, pooling resources and sharing research results. Based on actual demonstrations and prototypes provided by the Center, member firms can then take the technologies further into product development, having gained the unique competitive edge in the marketplace acquired via this partnership.

With the addition of the highest membership grade - Principal Member Plus -- in 2002, the VRM consortium was folded into the Center's industrial consortium. As Principal Plus members, not only do VRM consortium members continue to enjoy tangible benefits via the support of a very well-focused research area, they also gain early access to CPES-generated intellectual properties and full access to benefits provided to Principal members of the Center's industrial consortium. Today, ten Principal Plus members are working with CPES and Intel on the next generation microprocessor power management issues. These companies include Artesyn Technologies, Delta Electronics, Hipro Electronics, Infineon Technologies, International Rectifier, Intersil Corporation, Linear Technology, National Semiconductor, Renesas Technology, and Texas Instruments.

Through the years, CPES VRM researchers have been prolific in developing innovative concepts. To date, 37 invention disclosures have been filed under VRM, six patents were awarded and 12 patent applications are in process. In the past seven years, CPES researchers generated 42 VRM-related technology transfer activities to impact industry. Today, the multiphase voltage regulator module (VRM) proposed by CPES in early 1997 has been adopted as the standard industry solution to power every Intel microprocessor. Our work has resulted in the creation of a billion-dollar market which is deemed the fastest-growing sector of the power electronics industry. More importantly, because of this partciular evolution in technology advancement, the U.S. has been able to maintain the leadership position in both technologies and product introduction, as most of these markets reside in the U.S.

Mini-consortium members attending the VRM Quarterly Review hosted by TI Design Center in Cary, NC, January 28, 2005.